Behavioral Therapy for Tic Disorders and Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorders

Tourette’s and other chronic tic disorders and body-focused repetitive behaviors, such as hair-pulling, predominantly onset in childhood and are associated with significant functional impairment and affect quality of life. Fortunately, several evidence-based treatments exist, including pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapies such as habit reversal training and the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics. In this chapter we present information on behavior therapy for tic disorders and associated obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, conditions characterized by body-focused repetitive behaviors such as trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder. This chapter first provides details on the theoretical background and intervention components of behavioral therapy for these conditions. Next, evidence for the efficacy of these behavioral interventions is summarized succinctly. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion on future directions for behavior therapy for tic disorders and body-focused repetitive behaviors.